Mutual Aid defined

Definition from NYS DOH Policy: From time to time, to meet peak demand or extraordinary resource utilization, it may be necessary to request assistance to answer a call or provide additional resources. This is the concept of and intent of EMS mutual aid. EMS mutual aid requests must be made with the intent of having the closest available EMS unit respond to a patient’s medical need, at a time when the resources of the requesting agency are temporarily unavailable or have been expended.

We work with Paramedics from the Southeast Quadrant and other agencies to provide advanced life support services to our patients.

Be prepared for emergencies:

Make sure that your house number is clearly marked and visible from the roadway, and not hidden behind bushes or trees. Display your house number on each side of your mail box. At night, put on all your outside lights.

Make sure that the ambulance crew has adequate access to the room where the patient is located, and remove unnecessary furniture or obstacles.

Make sure your children know how and when to call 911. Make sure they know your house number and street name (mailing addresses and street addresses may be different).

Preparing for Transport to an Emergency Department:

When arriving at the hospital Emergency Department (ED or ER), the severity of your condition will be assessed by a “triage nurse”.

Triage Nurse defined

Definition: A triage nurse performs the initial medical evaluation of patients visiting a hospital emergency department and determines the nature of the illness or injury, the severity of the illness or injury, and the resources currently available to sort patients according to the seriousness of the their medical condition first and then according to the their order of arrival.

The triage nurse’s responsibility is to ensure that patients with critical medical conditions are promptly seen. The triage nurse will assess your medical condition by evaluating your vital signs, medical complaints and other information you provide regarding past medical history and known allergies. While at triage, it is important to know your medical history as the following information may be requested from you.

List of all current medications including “over the counter” drugs, herbal remedies and supplements, including dosages, when they are taken and the last dose taken

Primary care physician’s name

List of known allergies and medication reactions

List of previous surgeries

List of past medical conditions

Recent illnesses

Relevant family history

Last tetanus injection

Telephone numbers of family, friends or next of kin

Pharmacy name, telephone number and location

Insurance card

Please keep in mind that patients are seen according to the seriousness of their medical condition and the order of their arrival. Critically ill or injured patients are seen first. If the reason for your visit is for a less serious condition, be prepared to wait, particularly if many doctors and nurses are needed for attending to a patient with a critical condition.

What to Bring with you to the Hospital ED:

If the illness or injury to you, your family member or friend requires transport to a hospital emergency department, there is no way to predict how long you will have to wait to be seen. It is in your best interest to be prepared for a long wait. Bringing the following with you will help pass the time and make your visit as comfortable as possible

Bring a pen and paper to write down any questions you may have for the doctor. It is also a good idea to write down important information from the visit so that you can remember details you may need later, such as the names of any doctors you saw, what they say about the illness or injury, any medications or treatment they give you and any directions for follow-up or care at home.

Bring something to read. It will help pass the time and may relieve some anxiety by taking your mind off your surroundings.

Bring things for children to do as well, such as crayons, books, toys, and comforting objects, like stuffed animals.

It is highly recommended that you Do Not Bring any personal valuables with you, such as jewelry, watches, laptops or a digital camera in order to safeguard your belongings from becoming lost, damaged or stolen

Preparing Children for an Emergency:

Don’t be reluctant to talk with your family about the possibility of an emergency. Being prepared for an emergency involves not only planning, but also talking to your children about what to expect. Here are some tips on what to tell your children if the need to call 911 arises:

Based on their age, explain to your children what an emergency is, in words they can comprehend.

Involve your children in the development of your Family Emergency Plan and practice these plans as a family. Teach them how to recognize an emergency. Make sure they know what smoke detectors and other alarms sound like. Give children exact steps to follow.